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How to Get a Refund for Microsoft 365 Basic and Upgrade to Desktop Apps
Question details
The user mistakenly purchased a Microsoft 365 Basic subscription, which lacks desktop Office applications, and is seeking a refund and a suitable software alternative.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to install and use desktop versions of Word, Excel, or PowerPoint after purchasing a new Microsoft plan.
- Observed behavior
- The user discovers that Microsoft 365 Basic only includes OneDrive storage and web-based apps, preventing the use of installable desktop office software.
Before initiating a refund request, ensure you have the login credentials for the Microsoft account used to make the purchase, as you will need to access your subscription history.
Request a Cancellation and Refund via Microsoft Support
Use the Microsoft Services and Subscriptions portal to verify your current plan and contact a support agent to process your cancellation and refund.
Microsoft 365 Basic primarily offers 100GB of OneDrive storage and Outlook services but does not grant access to desktop applications. To resolve this, you must cancel the subscription through Microsoft Support.
Navigate to the Microsoft Services and Subscriptions page in your web browser and log in with the account associated with the purchase.
Locate 'Microsoft 365 Basic' under your active subscriptions to confirm the active charge.
Go to the Microsoft Support page, select 'Microsoft 365 and Office', and choose the 'Manage My Subscription' category.
Select the option to chat with a support agent or request a callback. Explain that you purchased the wrong plan and request a cancellation and refund.
Upgrade to a Plan with Desktop Applications
If you require desktop versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, you will need to switch to an appropriate Microsoft tier or a standalone purchase.
Get Free Desktop Office Apps with WPS Office
Instead of paying for an expensive Microsoft 365 Personal subscription just to get desktop apps, switch to WPS Office. It provides fully-featured desktop word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software for free, with seamless Microsoft format compatibility.
- 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free desktop application for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the quick setup instructions to install the suite on your computer.
- 3. Open your files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without needing to convert them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Microsoft 365 Basic include Word and Excel?
Microsoft 365 Basic includes access to the web-based versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, but it does not include the fully-featured, installable desktop applications.
How long does a Microsoft subscription refund take?
Once a refund is approved by Microsoft Support, the funds typically process and return to your original payment method within 3 to 5 business days.
Will cancelling Microsoft 365 Basic delete my files?
Cancelling the Basic plan lowers your OneDrive storage limit from 100GB to the free 5GB tier. If your files exceed 5GB, they won't be deleted immediately, but your account will be frozen, meaning you won't be able to upload new files or send/receive emails via Outlook until you free up space.
Can I keep my Office Home 2024 license if I cancel the Basic plan?
Yes, cancelling Microsoft 365 Basic will not disable a separate Office Home 2024 purchase. However, promotional trial messages may still occasionally appear on Microsoft account pages.
